Outlook on Cairo International Book Fair’s Golden Jubilee

Norhan Mahmoud

By: Nour El-Hoda Foad and Norhan Mahmoud

CAIRO, Jan. 13 (SEE)- The Cairo International Book Fair’s 50th Edition is set to run for 13 days, starting January 23, including various events and seminars at Egypt’s International Exhibition Center in New Cairo.

Through 10 halls, about 419 cultural, 144 artistic and 234 children activities will be held besides 8 writing, theatre and plastic art workshops. As of now exact schedule has not been announced, but readers are recommended to follow up through free daily newspaper about the expo.

Below is the overall schedule of the fair;

“Tharwat Okasha” Hall

This is the main hall, thus its events will focus on celebrating the golden jubilee together with its pioneers topped by:

Former Culture Minister Dr.Tharwat Okasha, the one who initiated the idea in the occasion of the passage of 1000 years’ of Cairo.
Dr. Soheir Al-Qalamawy, the organizer of the first edition of the exhibition whilst presiding over General Egyptian Institution for Books.

From this context the seminars will focus on the challenges of culture industry in Egypt and worldwide, besides discussing the main books and progress of Arabs.

There will also be cultural symposiums hosting a number of Arab and foreign intellects including; Gabonese Writer Jan Divasa Nyama, Torsten Bouder, Libyan Novelist Ibraheem Al-Kamouni and Sheikh Al-Qasimi.

‘Sohier Al-Qalamawy’ Hall

This is the cultural reception area of the fair in which various cultural, linguistic, translation literary works will be discussed as well as the future of religious speech and hosting a special celebration of the late great poet Abdulrahman Al-Abnoudi.

“Panorama Africa” Hall

African ambassadors and diplomats will be received in this hall to negotiate their country’s status, cultural and civilizational heritage besides the ongoing crisis in the region. On the sidelines, a number of traditional African performances will take place.

“The Memory of the Fair” Hall

This hall will include the presentation of archived movies about the last 50 editions of the fair, and what has been recorded from seminars and celebrations besides embracing a celebration of the centenary of the late President Mohamed Anwar El-Sadat, General Abdel-Moneim Riyad, Sheikh Mohamed Sediq Al-Minshawi and others.

“An Author and a Book” Hall

12 newly released books by the General Institution of Books will be reviewed inside this hall. Also, prestigious writers will be hosted to discuss their works and celebrate Literary Awards’ Winners.

“Innovation Forum” Hall

Inside this hall, the arts of literary and poetry will be discussed through four seminars daily to discuss the presence of a number of writers and critics.

“The Professional Program” Hall

The focus here will be on the publishing, printing, translation and distribution process including digital books. The discussion will assess the international fairs and books of Arab scientists such as Ibn Khaldoon and Al-Khuwarizmi.

“Youth” Hall

Here, seminars will shed light on Egyptian youth’s thought, and carrying out interactive workshops between the audience and experts on the various issues that concern this generation of arts, traditional songs, online journalism, social media platforms and digital cultural platforms such as ‘Aseer Al-kotob,’ ‘Al-Zaitona,’ ‘Professional Readers Club,’ and the new genres of books.

Over three days, ‘Cultural leadership lab,’will be held, in which the journey of printed books will be assessed besides the market trends in culture.

“Cinema and Arts” Hall

This year three artists will be honored namely Rageh Dawood, Laila Elwi and Waheed Hamed. A number of movies will be presented such as "Yoummedine" and Sheikh Jackson besides a number of daily sessions with movie stars, critics and other performances and workshops.

‘The Child’ Hall

At this hall, various artistic workshops will be organized in which children will take part besides clown, puppet, cartoon and various dancing shows.